Parasite conditions

Parasites can infect humans via many routes, such as through sexual intercourse, via a vector (e.g. mosquito), through ingestion, or simply from close contact with an infected person. Learn more about them here.

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Group A streptococcal infection

Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection is a bacterial infection. Find out about the symptoms and treatment for GAS infection, and how to prevent it.

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MERS

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is caused by a coronavirus. It can cause fever, cough and shortness of breath. Find out more about MERS here.

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School exclusion periods

If your child has an infectious illness, you may need to keep them home to stop it spreading at daycare or school. Learn about school exclusion periods here.

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Mpox (Monkeypox)

Monkeypox (mpox) is a rare infectious disease related to smallpox. While symptoms are usually mild, it can be serious and need medical attention.

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Contact tracing

Contact tracing is a method used to slow the spread of infections by identifying people who have been in contact with an infected person.

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral disease that can cause severe pneumonia. Know what to do in a future outbreak.

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Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterium that can live in the stomach lining causing inflammation and sometimes ulcers (sores) and stomach cancer.

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Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs)

HPIVs infect the respiratory tract and have symptoms like a cold. They spread via coughs and sneezes. Children and immunocompromised are at higher risk.

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Meningitis

Meningitis can be a life-threatening illness requiring urgent medical treatment. Learn more about meningitis, including the common symptoms.

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Scabies

Scabies is caused by a tiny bug that burrows under your skin, causing intense itching and sometimes a rash. Read more about scabies and its treatment.

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Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects the lungs. It can live in your body for years before causing symptoms.

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Measles

Measles is a very infectious viral disease. It’s spread via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms of measles and why vaccination is essential.

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Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is medicine that aims to stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells. Find out how 'chemo' treatment works and its side effects.

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Head lice

Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood by biting skin. Here's what to do if your child's affected by lice - and how to prevent an infestation.

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Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection and is most serious in babies. Here's how to spot the symptoms and protect infants.

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Flu (influenza)

Influenza is a viral infection that affects your nose and throat. Find out more about the flu and how to protect yourself by getting vaccinated.

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Bowel infections

Bowel or gastrointestinal infections can affect anyone. Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of different bowel infections.

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Q fever

Q fever is an infection that you can catch from cows, sheep, goats and kangaroos. Learn more about Q fever symptoms, prevention and treatment.

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Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an infectious disease that usually affects your nose and throat. Learn more about diphtheria symptoms, treatment and vaccination.

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Boils

Boils are painful, red, pus-filled lumps that can occur anywhere on your skin. Read about causes, treatment and how to prevent them from spreading.

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Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by the parasite cryptosporidium. Find out more about the symptoms of crypto and when to see a doctor.

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Trachoma

Trachoma is a contagious eye infection that can cause blindness if left untreated. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent infection.

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Rabies

Rabies in humans is caused by a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Learn what to do if you are bitten by an animal that may have rabies.

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Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that occurs in some humans and animals in humid conditions. Learn what you can do to prevent it.

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Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation. Unlike other types of hepatitis, hepatitis A doesn't cause long-term liver damage.

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Tapeworm infection

Tapeworm infections happen when you drink contaminated water or eat undercooked meat from infected animals. Learn about symptoms and treatments here.

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Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare, life-threatening illness where your kidneys stop working properly, most common in children under 5 years.

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Smallpox

Smallpox is a highly infectious disease, eradicated worldwide by successful vaccination. Read about prevention and its relationship to mpox.

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What is a pandemic?

A pandemic is a global spread of new diseases, such as COVID-19 and influenza. Here's what you need to know, including how epidemics are different.

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